Closer partnerships between industry, police, local authorities and government is the way forward, says Alan Campbell


In the ever-important fight against business crime, the government has a number of resources at its disposal. Neighbourhood policing teams are working directly with communities, including businesses, across the country. Experts in crime preventions are looking at new ways to design out the opportunities for crime at the earliest level. And we are spending millions to help shopkeepers with practical measures.

However, we are still not taking full advantage of the most valuable resource you, the business community itself. We have recognised that and are taking action to change it. The National Retail Crime Steering Group is doing invaluable work and has played a major part in the development of the Retail Crime Action Plan, which sets out the actions we will take to reduce business crime. They include the £5m Small Retailers Capital Grants Fund for small businesses, which can be used to finance simple security devices.

We have also created a simple online self assessment tool to help businesses assess their security and find out what simple steps they can take to reduce the risk of crime. It can be found at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/secureyourbusiness. Please give us your feedback.

The Retail Crime Action Plan has demonstrated what can be achieved by combining the expertise and resources of the retail industry with our own. But there is one area where businesses need to do more reporting crime. Too often I hear people say they don't report crimes because they don't get dealt with properly. However, police and local authorities cannot tackle crimes if they are not told about them, so your voice simply has to be heard.

One of the best ways to do this is through your local neighbourhood policing teams. Another statement I hear too often is "I don't know who my neighbourhood policing team is". But it couldn't be easier to find them. You can access their details on the direct.gov.uk website.

By talking to our neighbourhood teams, you will help to set priorities on a local level. Business networks can also work with Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships and Community Safety Partnerships to have a say on how resources are used. I have been really impressed with the way businesses have formed networks and worked with police to tackle crime by identifying offenders and banning troublemakers from shopping areas. Again, we recognise that this is a two-way street and have produced guidance for business networks and police forces to help them work together.

We also need to find new ways of tackling business crime. We have already launched a national competition for design students to develop new methods of tackling retail crimes such as shoplifting. But design is not the only forum for innovation. By their nature, those in business are always looking for new solutions to problems. By working with your local authorities, those ideas can be brought into effect.

Given the economic climate, there is increased pressure on retail crime. But that does not mean we are prepared to sit back and accept that shoplifting, business robbery or antisocial behaviour will increase. During hard times, this government is determined to use all its available resources to support businesses and crack down on criminals.

Alan Campbell is Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State responsible for crime reduction.


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